Thanks go to TFP Farrells for hosting an advanced viewing of the latest project of One Excellence, Qianhai. Located at this vast new district in western Shenzhen, the project positioned as a high-end mixed-use complex aspiring to form an international business centre rivaling Wall Street or Canary Wharf. Project Architects Joyce Lau and Tolis Apostolidis introduced the development to the BWPI office staff and students of Penn State Universities.

Inspired by adjacent Qianhai Bay, a nautical design influence flows throughout the scheme. The complex is formed by 2 executive apartment buildings and 4 grade A office buildings. The first installment is the twin gateway towers which share a canopy cast gracefully between the buildings, monumentally marking the eastern entrance. This gateway frames an east-west pedestrian axis upon which the scheme is structured. The towers celebrate the groundscape by incorporating, at the lower levels, a rhythmic frontage of small- and medium-sized retail spaces and restaurants offering alfresco dining.

The complex is also transit-oriented. Numerous railway lines converge on the district, and the multi-layer pedestrian axis allows commuters to complete the final leg of their journey in a pleasant, leisurely pedestrian-oriented environment where visitors can stroll, shop, dwell, play, and relax.

The entire construction of this grand project is expected to be completed between 2018 and 2019.